Accent Says They Are ‘Devastated’ By Shootings

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Friends and family will gather Sunday to pay their respects to the owner of a Minneapolis signage firm, who was killed in a shooting rampage.

Sixty-one-year-old Reuven Rahamim was the owner of Accent Signage Systems in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis.

He along with his employee Jacob Beneke and UPS driver Keith Basinski were shot and killed during the rampage. A 10-year veteran of the company — 58-year-old Ronald Edberg — also died, as well as 62-year-old Rami Cooks.

Two other employees were hurt in the shooting. John Souter is in serious condition and Eric Rivers is in critical condition.

Both are recovering at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Accent Signage released a statement Sunday stating, in part, “We are all deeply shocked and horrified by last week’s events at Accent Signage Systems, Inc. Accent Signage mourns the death of our founder, three dear employees and a treasured friend. We continue to pray for our colleagues who are recovering from their injuries.”

Andrew Engeldinger, 36, is accused of walking into the Minneapolis business and opening fire Thursday afternoon. Engeldinger eventually turned the gun on himself in the incident. He had been fired earlier on Thursday.

Rahamim’s funeral is being held at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park.

Rahamim was a board member at his synagogue. He was very involved and very generous.

This religious community has needed emotional support since the shooting. Rabbi Alexander Davis said everyone here was in shock.

Rahamim was also known for started Accent Sinage from the ground up in the 1980s. It grew into a global company over the years.

At the scene, there is no more police tape and the UPS truck driven by one of the victims, Keith Basinski has been towed away.

A flag is also now at half staff outside that building and neighbors have started a makeshift memorial.

Rahamim’s co-workers say it will take much time to heal from the deaths of all of the victims.

“Their lives ended in a violent manner but I am going to remember them for the people that they were,” said Sheryl McAdams, a co-worker of the victims. “I think it’s going to take a long time for all of us to heal. I really do I think it’s changed all of us forever.”

Rahamim leaves behind a wife, three children and two grandchildren.

According to the obituary, he will be buried in Israel. Inside the Synagogue, there are signs this company was known for.

Rahamim donated them — a lasting legacy of his generosity and faith.

The service Sunday morning is at 11 a.m.

The full statement from Accent is as follows:

“We are all deeply shocked and horrified by last week’s events at Accent Signage Systems, Inc.

Accent Signage mourns the death of our founder, three dear employees and a treasured friend. We continue to pray for our colleagues who are recovering from their injuries.

This senseless act has devastated us, but it will not destroy us. We fully intend to honor the memories of our colleagues and friends by continuing to grow the company they helped build through their hard work and dedication.

We are incredibly grateful to our customers, vendors and suppliers for their show of support during our most difficult time. They have been understanding and supportive throughout this tragedy, and we will not forget it.

Out of respect for the police investigation, and with deep compassion for those who are mourning and still recovering, we will not be releasing additional information at this time.

We ask that you please respect the privacy of all of the families affected by this tragedy.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the City of Minneapolis and particularly to the emergency response teams and to Mayor R.T. Rybak for his leadership at this difficult time.”